Commanding equipment

What is a command?

With commands you can implement a change in the system, like changing a temperature setpoint in a room or start a fan. For example, you can adjust the value of a temperature from 72 degrees Fahrenheit to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, or change a fan to ON or OFF to make the fan run or stop. Commanding is available on computer, tablet, and phone platforms.

To bulk command points, see Bulk Commanding.

What is Priority Array?

Priority Array is an add-on to the Commanding window. When you select a command, the Priority Array indicates where this command ranks in comparison to other objects related to this item. The command you want to send appears in bold. With this information, you can determine whether your command outranks the objects in place and whether your command can take effect. See also Table 1.

What is the layout of the Commanding window?

The following figure displays the layout of the Commanding window with integrated Priority Array. The available commands and values displayed are different depending on the type of point. In this case, you see a Change Default Value command.

Figure: Commanding window and Priority Array callouts


Table 1. Commanding window callouts

Number

Name

Description

1

Short name

Displays the short name of the point.

2

Long name

Displays the long name of the point.

3

Current status

Shows the current status of the point. Statuses include Normal, Out of Service, Operator Override, Above Setpoint, High Alarm, and so on.

4

Present value

Shows the present value of the point.

5

Custom Trend Viewer Add Point icon
You can add a point to the Custom Trend Viewer. The Custom Trend Viewer opens when you click the Add Point button.
Note: The trend icon only appears for points configured with trend extensions.

6

Priority Array

When you select a command, the Priority Array shows you other objects that control your selected item, if applicable. The command you want to send is highlighted in blue and preceded by an arrow. The object with the highest priority has a value that is highlighted in green. If your selected command is not the highest priority, you get the following alert:

Selected command will not take effect due to other objects ranking higher in the priority array.

Phone platforms show Priority Array at the bottom of the Commanding window.

7

Add Annotation

You can add an annotation to the command. Select a preset annotation, or enter your annotation in the text box. You can view the annotation in the Equipment Activity widget.

Note: When adding annotations during commanding points that have audits forwarding from engines to the Site Director, the annotations may not appear immediately in the Equipment Activity widget.

8

Value field

Displays a value field. The value field may appear differently depending on the type of point and commands available.

9

Command drop-down menu

Displays the types of commands available for the point. This menu varies depending on the type of point and commands available.

10

Fully Qualified Reference

Displays the Fully Qualified Reference (FQR) for the Building Network object in the form of a hyperlink.

An FQR is a string that looks like: siteDirectorComputerName:deviceComputerName/item1.child1.grandchild1.

Tap or click on the hyperlink to access to the Building Network Dashboard of the object. The Building Network Dashboard opens in a separate tab in the browser.
Notes:
  • The hyperlink only works if you select the User Can View the Item Navigation Tree (Default Tree) property in your User Properties. For more information, refer to the Security Administrator System Technical Bulletin (LIT-1201528).
  • If you do not have View permission for an object, the hyperlink only takes you to the Building Network Dashboard of the point. You cannot view any details pertaining to the object.

How do I adjust the value of a point on a piece of equipment?

Adjust commands are available for output points and for users with proper authorization (access permissions).

To adjust a value for a point, follow the steps below:
  1. Tap or click the point's value to open the Command View.
  2. Select the Adjust command type from the Command drop-down menu.
    Note: On tablets and phones, tap the Command field to select Adjust from the list and tap Done.
  3. To adjust a numeric value, tap or click the down arrow button to decrease the value, or the up arrow button to increase the value. Alternatively, click in the Value field and enter the desired numeric value.
    Note: On tablets and phones, tap in the Value field, enter the desired numeric value, and click Done.
    To adjust a binary or multi-state value, click in the Value drop-down menu and select the desired value.
    Note: On tablets and phones, tap in the Value field, select the desired value, and tap Done.
  4. Tap or click in the Add Annotation field to enter an optional annotation.
  5. Tap or click SAVE.
Note: Any Samsung phone for Android performs best when you use a third-party keyboard for commanding. You first need to download a third-party keyboard. To use a third-party keyboard, go to Settings > Personalization > Language and Input > Keyboard and Input Methods > Default , and select a third-party keyboard. The location for changing the keyboard can vary depending on your device.

What types of commands can I issue?

You can adjust values, place overrides, or release overrides.

You can adjust output point values, or temporarily or permanently override them. You can also release the override for any point that is currently overridden.

You can temporarily or permanently take input point values out of service. You can also place input point values back into service.

How do I override the value of a point? How do I release overrides?

Override commands are available for output points and for users with proper authorization (access permissions).

To temporarily override a point:
  1. Tap or click the point's value to open the Command View.
  2. Select the Override command type from the Command drop-down menu.
    Note: On tablets and phones, tap the Command field to select Override from the list and tap Done.
  3. To override a numeric value, tap or click the down arrow button to decrease the value, or the up arrow button to increase the value. Alternatively, click in the Value field and enter the desired numeric value.
    Note: On tablets and phones, tap in the Value field, enter the desired numeric value, and click Done.
    To override a binary or multi-state value, click in the Value drop-down menu and select the desired value.
    Note: On tablets and phones, tap in the Value field, select the desired value, and tap Done.
  4. In the Expires area, click After and enter the desired length of time in hours and minutes for the temporary override.
  5. Tap or click in the Add Annotation field to enter an optional annotation.
  6. Tap or click SAVE.
To permanently override a point:
  1. Tap or click the point's value to open the Command View.
  2. Select the Override command type from the Command drop-down menu.
    Note: On tablets and phones, tap the Command field to select Override from the list and tap Done.
  3. To override a numeric value, tap or click the down arrow button to decrease the value, or the up arrow button to increase the value. Alternatively, click in the Value field and enter the desired numeric value.
    Note: On tablets and phones, tap in the Value field, enter the desired numeric value, and click Done.
    To override a binary or multi-state value, click in the Value drop-down menu and select the desired value.
    Note: On tablets and phones, tap in the Value field, select the desired value, and tap Done.
  4. In the Expires area, click Never.
  5. Tap or click in the Add Annotation field to enter an optional annotation.
  6. Tap or click SAVE.
To release a temporary or permanent override:
  1. Tap or click the point's value to open the Command View.
  2. Select the Release command type from the Command drop-down menu.
    Note: On tablets and phones, tap the Command field to select Release from the list and tap Done.
  3. Tap or click SAVE.

How do I know a point is in permanent override? How do I know a point is in temporary override?

When a point is permanently overridden, the point displays the override status color, which is orange by default.

Figure: Point in Permanent Override


When a point is temporarily overridden, the point displays the override status color, which is orange by default, and a clock icon next to the present value. Tap or click the point to see when the override timer expires.

Figure: Point in Temporary Override


What are the In Service and Out of Service commands?

In Service and Out of Service commands are available for input points and for users with proper authorization (access permissions).

With the In Service command you can cancel the effect of an Out of Servicecommand.

With the Out of Service command you can override the point's hardware input for replacement, remodeling, or other purposes.

How do I command a point In Service or Out of Service?

In Service commands are available for input points and for users with proper authorization (access permissions).

To command a point out of service:
  1. Tap or click the point's value to open the Command View.
  2. Select the Take Out of Service command type from the Command drop-down menu.
    Note: On tablets and phones, tap the Command field to select Take Out of Service from the list and tap Done.
  3. To adjust a numeric value while taking a point out of service, tap or click the down arrow button to decrease the value, or the up arrow button to increase the value. Alternatively, click in the Value field and enter the desired numeric value.
    Note: On tablets and phones, tap in the Value field, enter the desired numeric value, and click Done.
    To adjust a binary or multi-state value while taking a point out of service, click in the Value drop-down menu and select the desired value.
    Note: On tablets and phones, tap in the Value field, select the desired value, and tap Done.
  4. In the Expires area, click After and enter the desired length of time in hours and minutes for the temporary override. Or select Never for a permanent override.
  5. Tap or click in the Add Annotation field to enter an optional annotation.
  6. Tap or click SAVE.

Out of Service commands are available for input points and for users with proper authorization (access permissions).

To command a point back in service:
  1. Tap or click the point to open the Command View.

  2. Select the Put Back in Service command type from the Command drop-down menu.

    Note: On tablets and phones, tap the Command field to select Put Back in Service from the list and tap Done.
  3. Tap or click on the Add Annotation field to enter an optional annotation.
  4. Tap or click SAVE.

Why can I not command some points?

There are several reasons why you cannot command certain points:

  • The point cannot be commanded.
    Note: Metasys UI 4.1 cannot read values from engines that are at Metasys Release 3.0 or earlier. This means that online points, engines or controllers associated with a network engine that is at Release 3.0 or earlier may show a status of Remote Device is offline in the Priority Array area and cannot be commanded.
  • The value shown is not the present value.
  • You may not have the appropriate permissions to send a command. See the following table for the required permissions.
    Table 2. Authorization category permission required for commands
    Type of command Authorization category permission required
    Adjust

    Operate Permission (Authorization Category-Based)

    You must have this permission for the authorization category of the point for which are you are adjusting the value, even if you do not have explicit permission for the authorization category of the point you are commanding.

    Override

    Intervene Permission (Authorization Category-Based)

    You must have this permission for the authorization category of the point for which are you are overriding the value, even if you do not have explicit permission for the authorization category of the point you are commanding.

    Release

    Intervene Permission (Authorization Category-Based)

    You must have this permission for the authorization category of the point for which are you are releasing the override, even if you do not have explicit permission for the authorization category of the point you are commanding.

    Take Out of Service

    Put Back in Service

    Diagnostic Permission (Authorization Category-Based)

    You must have this permission for the authorization category of the point for which are you are taking out of service or putting back in service, even if you do not have explicit permission for the authorization category of the point you are commanding.

How can I check the results of my command?

When you send a command by tapping or clicking SAVE, a message notifies you whether the command succeeded.

Are the commands I send audited?

Commands are audited and viewable in the Equipment Activity widget.

What does the Trend icon in the Command View do?

For points with trend extensions configured, you can add the point to the Custom Trend Viewer by tapping or clicking the Custom Trend Add Point icon in the Command View.

Note: The trend icon only appears for points configured with trend extensions.

When you tap or click the trend icon, the Command View closes and the point is added to the Custom Trend Viewer that opens.